"All gardeners live in beautiful places because they make them so."
– Joseph Joubert
9/28/16:
Last Saturday, I went to an Oktoberfest party at the house where my friends Aaron, Lissa and Patti live. I arrived just as the sun was getting near the horizon, and golden light was highlighting the leaves and flowers of many lovely plants in their garden. So I wandered about the yard, taking a few pictures. All the photos featured here are from that day.
Clicking on the small images below will bring up a larger version.
Contemplating autumn.
Persicaria Capitata.
Tomatoes turning color.
I haven't been into gardening as long as Patti has, and don't have anywhere near as much space, so I'm envious of the well-established variety of ornamental plants at her house. They also have an impressive amount of herbs, vegetables such as peas or beans, peppers, and flourishing tomatoes.
I appreciate the decorative elements such as garden statuary, too. I've got a a small cat statue, a grumpy rock, and inexpensive plastic ornaments, but it could add a lot to the design of my yard to carefully choose a few tasteful sculptures and perhaps a sundial.
Pretty place for little birds to land.
Borage growing among nasturtiums.
Gorgeous rose.
My own garden is still full of growth and activity. It's been unprecedentedly hot for a couple days this week: 100 degrees on Monday! Great for the peppers, and tomates are developing quickly. The plants have grown so big that I've had to fasten branches to taller bamboo stakes and brace them against a hedge to keep the top-heavy pots from falling over in the wind. There are finally a few ripe fruits without insect damage or rot. These haven't gotten large before turning red (smallest Beefsteaks I've ever seen) but the flavor is great.
Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are showing up in the yard with increasing frequency. Seems I have a nice variety of pollinator-friendly plants. The fuchsia, daisies, ivy flowers, and blooming herbs such as basil are visited often. I try, without success so far, to capture these busily-buzzing creatures in a photo. Sometimes I get close, but none of them stay still for long!
